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Canberra, July 9: Australia has announced that it will return three ancient Indian cultural artefacts to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit. The decision is being viewed as a significant step in strengthening cultural cooperation and heritage conservation between the two countries.
The artefacts include a ceremonial Trishul (trident) depicting Goddess Bhadrakali, a stone sculpture of Nandi, and an 11th-century stone sculpture of six-headed Kartikeya.
Which artefacts are being returned?
Bhadrakali Ceremonial Trident
The ceremonial metal trident featuring an image of Goddess Bhadrakali symbolizes divine power, protection, and the destruction of evil in Shaiva-Shakta traditions. It is believed to have originated from the Sri Kashi Vishwanathaswamy Temple in Kollumangudi, Tamil Nadu, and dates back to the 13th–16th century CE.
11th-Century Kartikeya Sculpture
The stone sculpture depicts Lord Kartikeya (Murugan/Shanmukha) with six heads, representing wisdom, courage, and divine protection. The sculpture is associated with the Naganathaswamy Temple at Manambadi in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district and is believed to date back to the reign of Rajendra Chola I in the early 11th century.
Nandi Stone Sculpture
The stone sculpture represents Nandi, the sacred bull and divine vehicle of Lord Shiva. Traditionally placed facing the sanctum of Shiva temples, Nandi symbolizes devotion, strength, and righteousness. The sculpture is also linked to the Sri Kashi Vishwanathaswamy Temple and dates from the 13th–16th century CE.
Australia and India Exchange Cultural Heritage
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the artefacts, previously housed in the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, would be voluntarily returned to India as a gesture of friendship.
In a reciprocal move, India will return the ancestral remains of an Australian First Nations individual currently preserved at the Government Museum in Chennai. Albanese described the decision as an important step toward healing, justice, and reconciliation for Indigenous communities.
Significance of the Repatriation
The return of these artefacts reflects growing international efforts to restore cultural objects to their countries of origin. It also highlights the expanding cultural partnership between India and Australia, alongside their strategic and diplomatic ties.
